Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees' psychological health in the offshore oil and gas industry and opportunities for improvement

This qualitative study aimed to identify psychosocial hazards in the highly-stressful environment of the Australian offshore oil and gas industry. The study utilised a focus group, which consisted of 6 participants from various offshore facilities, at varied organisational levels and 2 representatives of 2 oil and gas legislative organisations. NVivo analysis showed that the main psychosocial concerns were casualisation, the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on rosters and job security, fear of re-injury and making mistakes. The findings can be used to help guide policy and develop risk control measures for legislative bodies and organisations to minimise psychosocial hazards.